Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd (TSX-V:MON, OTC:MXTRF) said on Tuesday it has begun mobilization for a Phase 1 diamond drilling program at its Elvira gold project in Chile’s Maricunga Gold Belt.
The Vancouver-based junior has finalized its drilling contract and completed site preparation ahead of a four-hole diamond drill program totalling up to 2,000 metres.
Site readiness work includes road access upgrades to support winter drilling conditions, establishment of a drill camp, and deployment of geological and field support teams based in the nearby city of Copiapo. The company said all necessary authorizations for the program are obtained.
Priority drill targets at Elvira were identified through geological mapping, geochemistry, geophysics, and historical exploration data, and have been field validated. Final drill collar locations were refined using three-dimensional modelling supported by AI-assisted data interpretation.
“The company has now moved into the operational phase at Elvira following completion of permitting, mobilization planning and drill target definition,” said CEO Tony Harwood. “Significant groundwork has gone into preparing the project for drilling, particularly given the winter conditions and logistical requirements of operating in the Maricunga Belt.”
Upon completion of the Elvira program, the drilling contractor’s equipment is expected to be deployed to the company’s nearby Potrero project for a separate Phase 1 drill program.
